Berkeley Police Department Honor Guard

Throughout the years, the idea of forming an Honor Guard for the Berkeley Police Department was presented periodically by a variety of different members of the department.

In 2004, a handful of BPD personnel organized and began to represent the department at funerals and other functions. This volunteer endeavour evolved into a full rifle and flag presentation at the funeral of a retired BPD Officer. The Honor Guard, with the support of the Berkeley Police Association (BPA), has attended theCalifornia State Police Officers Memorial every May in Sacramento. In 2005, while still not sanctioned by the department, the Honor Guard was requested to present the Colors at a ceremony for the centennial celebration for the City of Berkeley Police Department. Since then, the core group of the Honor Guard has been requested to participate in various departmental functions from awards to promotional ceremonies.

The aforementioned developments lent itself to growth and enthusiasm within the unit. BPD added three (3) officers and committed to a new distinct Honor Guard uniform. The BPD Honor Guard is fortunate to be staffed with personnel that are passionate about what they do and why they are doing it. This passion can be seen in their presentations and their dedication to their efforts. Department members past and present, as well as community members have been impressed that have witnessed the members of the Honor Guard at work. In the spring of 2010, Chief Michael K. Meehan made the Honor Guard an official ancillary unit in the department.

In the fall of 2009, the Honor Guard was called to travel to Seattle to attend the funeral for the four (4) Lakewood Washington Officers that were murdered while on duty.

In 2010 the Honor Guard welcomed the new Chief of Police, Michael K. Meehan, at hisswearing in ceremony.